Passive roof exhausting system

ABSTRACT

A system for passively exhausting air from a structure includes at least one pair of modules arranged on a roof of the structure. Each module has an exhaust face on one side and a sloped surface on the opposite side, and can receive exhaust air that flows upward from inside the structure. The modules can be arranged in pairs facing one another, with one of the sloped surfaces facing a direction of an environmental flow of air, so that the environmental air can flow up the sloped surface of one module and down the sloped surface of the other module without impinging on the exhaust faces of either module. The pairs can also be arranged side-by-side in an array, which can be expanded with additional pairs of modules to exhaust from the structure at a greater rate.

BACKGROUND

A datacenter typically contains a collection of computer servers andcomponents for the management, operation and connectivity of thoseservers, including power management components. Even in isolation,datacenter electronic components may generate sufficient heat thatproactive temperature management becomes important to prolong the lifeof the components and ensure the smooth and continuous operation of thedatacenter. When heat-generating electronic components are arrangedtogether, the cumulative generation of heat can increase the ambienttemperature and exacerbate the challenge of managing the temperature ofindividual components. Various structures with waste heat sources ofteninclude methods and apparatuses configured to facilitate waste heatremoval from some part of the structure, such as fans, blowers,air-conditioning systems, and other powered mechanical systems.

As used herein, “datacenter” includes any facility or portion of afacility in which computer operations are carried out. A datacenter mayinclude servers and other systems and components dedicated to specificfunctions (e.g., e-commerce transactions, database management) orserving multiple functions. Examples of computer operations includeinformation processing, communications, simulations, and operationalcontrol.

Systems for exhausting warm air from a structure, such as a datacenter,include methods such as forcing environmental air through the datacentervia fans and forcing the air to exhaust outside of the structure. Suchsystems generally consume power and generate heat, exacerbating thealready significant power draw and heat production of datacenters.However, active datacenter cooling is generally used despite thesedrawbacks, due to the fact that high temperatures significantly shortenthe life of numerous types of electronic components. Finally, thermalexhaust systems generally require both modification to the structurehousing the datacenter and powered mechanical systems to function, andtherefore require a significant initial outlay of cost associated withbuilding a datacenter or renovating a structure for such use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure will bedescribed with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view schematic illustrating a first example system forpassively exhausting warm air from a structure, in accordance withvarious embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a side view schematic illustrating elements of the passiveexhausting system of FIG. 1, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematic illustrating an element of thepassive exhausting system of FIG. 1, in accordance with variousembodiments;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an array of elements of thepassive exhausting system of FIG. 1, in accordance with variousembodiments;

FIG. 5 is a front view schematic illustrating another example system forpassively exhausting warm air from a structure, in accordance withvarious embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating aerodynamic aspects ofelements of a passive exhausting system, such as the systems shown inFIGS. 1 and 5, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a system for assembling amodular system for passively exhausting warm air from a structure, suchas the system shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a side view schematic illustrating a second example system forpassively exhausting warm air from a structure, in accordance withvarious embodiments;

FIG. 9 is a side view schematic illustrating weather-resistant aspectsof an element of a system for passively exhausting warm air from astructure;

FIG. 10 is a side view schematic illustrating a connection between amodule for use in a passive exhaust system and a roof;

FIG. 11 illustrates an example process for assembling a system forpassively exhausting warm air from a structure;

FIG. 12 illustrates an example process for revising a system forpassively exhausting warm air from a structure;

FIG. 13 is a top view schematic illustrating another example system forpassively exhausting warm air from a structure, in accordance withvarious embodiments; and

FIG. 14 is a top view schematic illustrating another example system forpassively exhausting warm air from a structure, in accordance withvarious embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, various embodiments will be described. Forpurposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are setforth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments.However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that theembodiments may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore,well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscurethe embodiment being described.

Techniques described herein include passive systems and devices forenabling the passive exhaust of warm air from a datacenter. At leastsome embodiments herein are particularly directed to flat-roofedstructures, which are efficient and inexpensive to build. Furtherembodiments can be used with structures having non-flat roofs (e.g.,sloped roofs, curved roofs). By way of example, and as described infurther detail below, a datacenter can generate a significant quantityof heat, which can be removed by taking in a cool flow of air from theenvironment and exhausting a hot flow of air from the datacenter. Tothat end, a datacenter can be modified to passively exhaust this flow ofair by cutting voids in a flat rooftop surface of the structurecontaining the datacenter and installing an array of exhaust modules atthe voids. Generally speaking, as used herein “passively” exhausting airrefers to moving air through the voids without the use of air-movingequipment (e.g., fans, blowers, air-conditioning systems, and otherpowered mechanical systems) at or near the voids. Each module of thearray can be configured to receive an upward flowing exhaust flow of airfrom the structure via an intake surface, and exhaust the flow of airfrom a sideways-oriented exhaust surface. The intake surface can joinwith the roof; the exhaust surface can be located at a side surface ofeach module, such that the module exhausts sideways; and a closedsurface at the top of each module can direct airflow in the module fromthe intake to the exhaust. The closed surface can also direct exteriorairflow over the module like a ramp from a low side of the closedsurface to a high side.

By way of further example, each module can be paired with a secondmodule, and with the two modules of each pair facing one another (i.e.,the exhaust surfaces facing one another). In this configuration,exterior airflow passing along an axis perpendicular to the exhaustfaces can pass up along the closed surface of one of the modules, passover the intermediate space between the modules, entraining risingexhaust air exiting from the modules in the exterior flow, and then passdown along the closed surface of the second of the modules. Thisconfiguration can significantly mitigate the possibility of externalairflow directly impacting the exhaust face of any one module, andthereby can substantially mitigate the possibility of reversed flow inthe exhaust system. This configuration may also productively employBernoulli's principle to create a low-pressure region that further drawsthe exhaust flow from the structure containing the datacenter. In someembodiments, the paired configuration can be expanded into an array ofparallel pairs of modules, which can run along a line perpendicular to adirection of the prevailing wind, in order to better employ this effect.Other orientations relative to the direction of the prevailing wind canalso be used.

The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense. It will, however, beevident that various modifications and changes may be made thereuntowithout departing from the broader spirit and scope of the disclosure asset forth in the claims.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a passive exhaust system 100 of astructure 102, in accordance with various embodiments. In someembodiments, the structure 102 can be a datacenter, or any otherfacility that generates a significant quantity of heat and that requiresconvective cooling. In various embodiments, the structure 102 receives afirst flow of air 106 from the environment. In some cases, the flow ofair 106 can be received at an intake region, shown at the right side ofthe structure 102 of FIG. 1. In particular embodiments, the air 106 canbe diverted via a ventilation system. For example, a first intake region122 connected with an air intake 110 diverts the flow of air 106 via aventilation system 112 to an enclosed portion 116 of the structure 102.In some other embodiments, the air 106 can flow passively into thestructure. For example, the structure 102 can receive the first flow ofair 106 at a second intake region 124 that admits air from the flow ofair 106 into the structure directly. In alternative embodiments, coolambient air can be received in the structure 102 via any suitableintake, such as at a side of the structure 102, below the structure 102,or via ducts from outside the structure. In any event, the first flow ofair 106 enters the structure 102 and provides an interior flow of air120 that can capture waste heat from components within the structure,such as various datacenter components and other electronic or mechanicaldevices, such as servers, network hardware, switching hardware,logistics hardware and equipment, or other suitable heat-generatingequipment within the structure 102. In some embodiments, the structure102 can include an enclosed portion 116 at a higher temperature than therest of the structure 102, such as a “hot aisle,” configured to capturewaste heat that flows through or past components that generate heat, andparticularly when the waste heat flows in one direction from a coolregion to the exhaust enclosure. The enclosed portion 116 may generate asignificant flow of warm air 118 which in some embodiments can bedirected, e.g. via ducts (not shown), toward voids 132 in the roof 104of the structure 102. In alternative embodiments, various additionalfeatures internal to the structure 102 (not shown) may be used forsegregating warm exhaust air from cool air and for directing warmexhaust air upward, such as ducts, partitions, hot and cold aisles, andsimilar features.

In various embodiments, the structure 102 can exhaust flows of warm air126 from the structure via voids 132 in the roof 104. A passive exhaustarray 200 can be connected with the voids 132 in order to receive theexhaust flows 126, divert the exhaust flows sideways as shown by thearrows 128, and entrain the diverted exhaust flows in a secondenvironmental flow of air 108 that bypasses the structure 102. In someembodiments, as described in more detail below (see FIG. 2), secondenvironmental flow of air 108 passes over the roof 104 of the structure,passing up a wedge-shaped part of the exhaust array 200, across theexhaust array, and down the opposite side of the array. The passiveexhaust array 200 thus produces a Venturi effect, further drawing airfrom within the passive exhaust array 200. Additionally, by divertingthe second environmental flow of air 108, the exhaust array 200 canlocally increase the speed of the flow of air 108 in order to takeadvantage of Bernoulli's principle by locally reducing the air pressureabove the passive exhaust array 200.

FIG. 2 illustrates elements of the passive exhaust system 200 of FIG. 1in greater detail, in accordance with various embodiments. The passiveexhaust system 200 includes at least a pair of modules 202 a, 202 b(cumulatively 202). The modules 202 a and 202 b can, in someembodiments, be identical; but in various other embodiments can besymmetrical or similar. An exhaust module 202 can be configured toreceive an exhaust stream through a void 132 in the roof 104, and canexhaust the exhaust stream through an exhaust face 206. For example, inparticular embodiments, the modules 202 can include a sloped face 204,exhaust face 206 which can be open for exhausting the exhaust stream,and an intake face 208 at the bottom of the module for receiving theexhaust flow from voids 132 in the roof. In some cases, the modules 202can be installed to curbs 134 raised on the surface of the roof aroundthe voids 132, which may be built in to the structure, or may be added.Curbs 132 can be any suitable material, such as a structural material ofthe building (e.g. cement, steel, aluminum, high-strength polymer,etc.), and may be bolted or similarly attached to the roof 104. In somecases, the curb 134 can be, for example, a steel C-channel beam attached(e.g., bolted) vertically with the roof 104. In some cases, a curb 134can include waterproofing features, such as a mortar, rubber gasket,caulk, or other structures or materials that provide waterproofingfunctions. The intake face 208 can include additional connectivefeatures, such as an additional C-channel and one or more Z-beams,possibly including one or more Z-beams that connect (at a high side) tothe interior of the module 202 and overhang a portion of the curb 134projecting away from the module 202 and over the curb 134, so as todirect water away from the void 132.

In some embodiments, a module 202 can include one or more features forpreventing the intrusion of dust or water from the exhaust face 206. Forexample, a module 202 can include filters 210, which can be coarsefilters, located interior to the module 202 and across the exhaust face206 (as shown), across the intake face 208 (not shown), or a combinationof both. In embodiments, a module 202 can include a hood 212, whichextends away from the exhaust face 206 and slopes downward away from themodule; and in some cases a module 202 can include multiple hoods. Inany event, a topmost hood 206 can project from a top portion of theexhaust face 206 such that an airflow encountering the top portion ofthe exhaust face 206 can be directed up and over the module 202 by thetopmost hood 206. Any or all of the hoods 206 can also act to shield theexhaust face 206 from rain and/or debris.

In some embodiments, a module 202 can include elements for modifying theexhaust flow. For example, a module 202 can also include a baffleassembly 214, which can include active and/or passive baffles. In someembodiments, the baffle assembly 214 can be manually locked in order toobstruct airflow, which may be desirable during construction or eventsthat may promote backdraft or debris, such as wind and rain storms. Insome embodiments, the baffle assembly 214 may include baffles that arebalanced, e.g. via a counterweight or spring, to promote airflow out ofthe module 202 while closing if the direction of the exhaust flowchanges to flowing into the module 202.

In some embodiments, a module 202 can also have features for mitigatingwater intrusion and/or mitigating condensation. For example, a module202 can include a catchment assembly 216, which can include one or moregutters and/or catchments connected with the interior surfaces of themodule 202, for example near the intake face 208. The catchment assembly216 can receive a flow of condensation along the interior surfaces anddirect the flow to an outlet, such as a pipe or second gutter, so as toprevent the condensation from dripping uncontrolled through the voids132. In some embodiments, the module 202 can also include an insulatinglayer 320, such as a surface layer and/or an additional layer of aninsulating material along some or all of the interior surfaces (see,e.g. FIG. 3). The insulating layer may act to help prevent condensationfrom forming inside the module 202 by insulating the warm exhaust airfrom the colder surfaces of the module 202. In further embodiments, amodule 202 can also include access means, such as an access hatch 218 ina surface of the module 202. In some cases, the access hatch 218 can beon a side surface of the module 202, but in alternative embodiments, theaccess hatch can include, for example, some or all of the exhaust face206 being capable of swinging out on a hinged assembly. In any event,the access hatch can also be arranged to be locked or secured againstunauthorized access.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematic illustrating another example of amodule 302 configured for use with a passive exhausting system such asthe system of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments. The module302 can include a sloped surface 304 for directing airflow over themodule. In various embodiments, the sloped surface 304 can also becurved, for example by following an arc from the intake face 308 to theexhaust face 306. In some alternative embodiments, the module 302 can besubstantially curved or bowed from the intake face 308 to the exhaustface 308.

In further embodiments, the module 302 can include elements fordirecting an airflow directed against the exhaust face 306. For example,the module 302 can include a single hood 312, which can act as anaerodynamic structure for directing ambient airflow over the module 302.When airflow is coming over the module 302 from the sloped surface 304,the hood 312 can mitigate eddy formation to mitigate the possibility ofbackdraft into the exhaust face 306. When airflow is coming toward theexhaust face 306, e.g. from the top of a second module (not shown), thehood 312 can redirect the airflow over the module 302.

In some embodiments, the module 302 can also include elements forprotecting the interior of the module from condensation, weather, anddebris. For example, the module 302 can include passive baffles 314,which can slope downward in the direction away from the exhaust face, soas to direct debris and/or water away from the interior of the module302. A filter element 310 can also be arranged proximate to the exhaustface 306 for preventing debris, such as dust or water droplets, fromentering the module 302. In accordance with some embodiments, acondensation catchment 316 is shown around an interior perimeter of themodule 302, and an insulation layer 320 is shown abutting the interiorsurface of the module 302. In some embodiments, interior components ofthe module 302 can be accessed via an access hatch 318. The intake face308 is connected with a curb 134 of the roof 104.

In some embodiments, various specific dimensions of an exhaust module302 are possible in order to enable usefully rapid passive exhaust. Forexample, in some specific embodiments, dimensions of an exhaust modulecan be approximately 10 feet wide (dimension 322) and 10 feet high(dimension 324) at the exhaust face and the sloped face 304 can extendback approximately 15 feet in length (dimension 326). Various otherdimensions are possible within a broad range of module sizes. Forexample the exhaust face 306 may vary in width and height 322, 324, froma few feet to 20 feet or more; and similarly, the length 326 can varyfrom a few feet to 30 feet or more.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an array 400 of module pairs200 of the passive exhausting system of FIG. 1, in accordance with someembodiments. In particular embodiments, the array 400 can includemultiple pairs (200 a, 200 b, 200 c, or cumulatively 200) of modules,such as the modules 202 or 302 (FIGS. 2-3) positioned on a roof 104,e.g. a roof of a structure such as a building containing a datacenter.The module pairs 200 of the array can be arranged to interact with anambient flow of air. For example, the module pairs 200 can be arrangedin parallel with a first axis 404 of the array 400, and in some casesthe first axis 404 can be aligned with a direction of the ambient flowof air, such as an environmental flow or the prevailing wind; and asecond axis 408, which can be perpendicular to the first axis 404, canbe aligned with a long dimension of the array 400. In some cases, thesecond axis 408 may be at an angle to the first axis 404, such that themodule pairs 200, while individually parallel with the first axis, maybe offset from one another in order to accommodate, for example, roof104 that is oriented at an angle to the prevailing wind. In variousembodiments, the module pairs 200 are spaced such that a technician 402can access each module of the module pairs 200.

FIG. 5 is a front view schematic illustrating a second example of apassive exhaust system 500, similar to example system 100 of FIG. 1, inaccordance with some embodiments. The example system 500 includes a roof104 and intakes 122, 124, similar to the example system 100 of FIG. 1.In some embodiments, an array 400 of modules 200 a, 200 b, 200 c(cumulatively 200) can be arranged on the roof 104, with a spacing 502between an edge of the roof 104 and the array 400. In some embodiments,interspersed between modules 200 in the array 400, panels 504 can bearranged for directing an environmental flow of air over the array 400.In some alternative embodiments, the modules 200 can be assembledabutting one another, and may or may not include intervening panels.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating aerodynamic aspects ofconnected module assemblies 600 a, 600 b (cumulatively 600) of a passiveexhausting system, such as the systems 100 and 500 shown in FIGS. 1 and5, in accordance with particular embodiments. Two modules 602 a, 602 b(cumulatively 602) can be arranged in parallel with a panel assembly 504a, 504 b arranged between the modules for directing air over the moduleassembly 600. For example module assembly 600 a includes a substantiallystraight panel assembly 504 a partially overlapping and connected witheach of the modules 602 a, 602 b. In some embodiments, the moduleassembly can be shaped. For example, module assembly 600 b includes abent or curved panel 504 b partially overlapping and connected with eachof the modules 602 a, 602 b and wrapping partially around the modules.In embodiments, various other degrees of coverage are possible betweenadjacent modules, such as modules in an array.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a system 700 for assembling amodular passive exhaust system for exhausting warm air from a structure,in accordance with embodiments. In the system 700, a structure 102, suchas a building containing a datacenter, is configured to draw in cool airfrom the environment (e.g. at intakes 122, 124) and exhaust hot air backinto the environment (e.g. via exhaust modules 200). For example, thestructure can include air intakes 122, 124; a roof 104, and voids 132 inthe roof 134. In some cases, the voids 132 can be built into thestructure during initial construction, and may be covered prior to use.In some cases, the voids 132 can be formed at a time after the roof 104has been assembled, such as near in time to a rollout of a datacenter atthe structure 102. In some embodiments, curbs 134 can also be formedaround the voids 132, and configured for providing a connection surfacefor modules 200 of the passive exhaust array 400, and for preventing theintrusion of water or debris from the roof 104 into the structure 102.In some embodiments, the modules 200 can be assembled prior toconnection with the roof 104, and then lowered onto the curbs 134, suchthat the intake face 208 of each module 200 connects (e.g. via bolts orscrews) with a curb 134 of the roof 104. In some embodiments, additionalwaterproofing features can be provided where the modules 200 connectwith the curbs 134. The array 400 can be assembled at one time, or canbe gradually assembled onto the roof 104 as a need for exhausting warmair from the structure 102 changes over time, e.g. with the addition offurther heat-producing components into the structure 102.

FIG. 8 is a side view schematic illustrating another example system 800for passively exhausting warm air from a structure 802 having both flatand sloped roof portions 804, 806, in accordance with embodiments. Thestructure 802 can be a datacenter, can include a datacenter therein, orcan include any other facility that generates a significant quantity ofheat and that requires convective cooling. In some embodiments, thesystem 800 includes the structure 802 having intake vents 822, 824;interior airflow management structures such as an intake element 810; aflat roof portion 104; and sloped roof portions 806. In manyembodiments, hot air 818 can rise from interior airflow managementstructures, and can join interior airflow 826 which can be directed andconcentrated toward the flat roof portion 104 by the sloped roofsections 806, such that the interior airflow 826 exits the structure 802via voids 832 in the flat roof portion 804. Similar to the system 100shown in FIG. 1, the interior airflow 826 can be diverted 828 throughthe exhaust modules 200, and can be entrained as exhaust airflow 830 bythe exterior airflow 808 as the exhaust airflow 830 exits the structure802.

FIG. 9 is a side view schematic illustrating a module 900 havingweather-resistant aspects for use in a system for passively exhaustingwarm air from a structure, such as systems 100, 500, or 800 (FIGS. 1, 5,8), in accordance with different embodiments. The module 900 can includea sloped surface 904 and an exhaust face 906. In some embodiments, aseries of baffles 910 can be connected with the exhaust face 906 forcapturing debris or water that may be blown into the exhaust face 906.In some embodiments, the baffles 910 can be sloped downward away fromthe exhaust face 906, and can further include vertical portions 908, 912at the upper and lower parts of the baffles 910. In some embodiments,one or more hoods 914 can also be assembled with the exhaust face 906and project outward and downward away from the exhaust face, so that anupper surface 916 of each hood can divert water away from the exhaustface.

FIG. 10 is a side view schematic illustrating an example system 1000 forconnecting an exhaust module 1002 for use in a passive exhaust systemwith a roof 104, in accordance with various embodiments. In someembodiments, the system 1000 is configured to connect an exhaust module1002 with a roof 104 via a curb 134, and to prevent the intrusion ofwater into the interior of the module 1002. In some embodiments, a curb134 can be installed to a roof 104, e.g. via connectors such as screws,bolts, a mortar or caulk, cement, and/or other suitable means ofconnecting. In some cases, the curb 134 can be a structural C-beam, andcan be connected with the roof 104 via any suitable combination of theabove connecting means, such as via a watertight seal using a caulk,cement, or gasket in addition to being bolted to the roof. In someembodiments, an intake face 1008 of an exhaust module 1002 can besupported internally, e.g. via interior structural beams 1028, and canbe supported at the curb via external structural beams 1022, which caninclude a structural, vertical portion 1022 and an overhang 1024 forpreventing the intrusion of water between the curb 134 and externalstructural beams 1022. In some embodiments, a connection between theexhaust module 1002 and the external structural beams 1022 can includean intermediate Z-beam 1026 which overhangs the external structural beam1022 in order to prevent the intrusion of water between the exhaustmodule 1022 and the external structural beams 1022. In variousalternative embodiments, different configurations of the abovecomponents may be possible. For example, an exhaust module 1002 may beassembled with the curb 134 absent an intervening external structuralbeam 1022, such that the z-beam 1026 overhangs the curb 134.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example process 1100 for assembling a system forpassively exhausting warm air from a structure, in accordance withembodiments. Steps shown in the example process 1100 can be implementedin accordance with systems for assembling a passive exhaust system witha roof of a structure, for example as shown in system 700 of FIG. 7. Insome embodiments, an exhaust rate need of a structure can be determined(act 1102), e.g. by determining a rate of heat production in thestructure, such as by heat-generating components of a datacenter. Anumber of exhaust modules needed for achieving the desired exhaust ratecan be determined based on, for example, modeling and/or empirical data,which may include assessing attributes of the environmental airflowaround the structure such as peak and minimum wind speed and direction,the temperature around the structure, and the convective properties andinternal geometry of the structure (act 1104). Next, a series of voidscan be opened in the roof of the structure based on the desired numberof exhaust modules (act 1106). In some cases, the voids may bepreinstalled in the roof of the structure based on a predicted need, andmay be covered prior to use. In some cases, the voids may by alignedwith the direction of an environmental airflow such as the prevailingwind; and in some cases the voids may be aligned in two rows, with therows running in a direction different than direction of the alignmentwith the environmental airflow. In some embodiments, the voids may bealigned in more than two rows. Next, a curb assembly can be connectedwith or around each void (act 1108), and configured for receiving anexhaust module. In some embodiments, exhaust modules include curbs, orexhaust modules may be installed directly to the roof without anintervening curb. Next, each exhaust module can be connected with a curbassembly of the installed curb assemblies (act 1110), or alternatively,can be connected with a void of the series of voids, in order to form anarray of exhaust modules. In some embodiments, the exhaust modules canbe assembled prior to assembly with the curb assemblies; or can beprefabricated in a series of parts that can be assembled together andwith the curb assemblies in the same process. In some embodiments, theexhaust modules can be prefabricated offsite and transported to thestructure in a fully assembled, mostly assembled, or partly assembledstate.

Additional features can be added to the assembled array of exhaustmodules. For example, an exhaust hood assembly can be connected witheach exhaust module (act 1112); and a panel assembly can be connectedbetween each adjacent pair of exhaust modules in each row of theassembly (act 1114). Furthermore, in some embodiments, a structurealready possessing features of a passive exhaust system can be revisedto include additional exhaust modules.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example process for revising a system forpassively exhausting warm air from a structure. Steps shown in theexample process 1100 can be implemented in accordance with systems forassembling a passive exhaust system with a roof of a structure, forexample as shown in system 700 of FIG. 7. For example, in embodiments, arevised rate of exhaust needed for a structure, such as a datacenter,can be determined (act 1202) based on, for example, a known or projectedincrease in a needed throughput of air for cooling the interior of thestructure. For example, an increased need may come about when adatacenter is expanded to include additional components, or when anexisting datacenter is renovated to decrease the use of powered exhaustand increase the use of passive exhaust. A number of additional exhaustmodules needed to achieve a targeted exhaust rate can be determinedabove in act 1104 (FIG. 11) (act 1204), and then voids or additionalsets of voids can be opened in the roof of the structure (act 1206),which can include siting the voids parallel to existing exhaust modulesor an existing array of exhaust modules, possibly aligned with adirection of an external airflow. Next, a curb assembly can be connectedwith each additional void (act 1208) configured for receiving andconnecting with an exhaust module. An exhaust module can be connectedwith each curb assembly, or in the case that exhaust modules can connectwith the roof directly can be connected with the roof at each additionalvoid (act 1210). As described above, additional features can be added tothe assembled exhaust modules. For example, an exhaust hood assembly canbe connected with each exhaust module (act 1212); and a panel assemblycan be connected between adjacent pairs of exhaust modules (act 1214).

The modular nature of the exhaust modules can permit the rapiddeployment of the above-described passive exhaust systems to structuressuch as datacenters, and can be assembled with structures withoutsignificantly impacting the architecture or interior workings thereof.Accordingly, arrays of exhaust modules can be constructed at structuresimmediately prior to the deployment of heat-generating components atthose structures, which reduces an initial outlay of expense whenconstructing new buildings; and exhaust modules can be assembled withmany preexisting structures, thus decreasing the cost of renovating abuilding for accommodating high exhaust need. Furthermore, exhaustmodules can be installed in any suitable number of arrays, e.g.,multiple rows of exhaust modules can be installed on a roof withsufficient space.

For example, FIG. 13 is a top view schematic illustrating an example ofa passive exhaust system 1300 having multiple rows 1302, 1304 a, 1304 bof modules 202 arrayed on a roof 104 of a structure 102, in accordancewith some embodiments. In the system 1300, a structure 102 with a flatroof 104 can have mounted thereon a first row 1302 of modules 202. Eachmodule of the first row 1302 can face in the same direction. Forexample, each module 202 of the first row can be oriented such that anexhaust face 206 of the module is aligned with a first axis 404. In someembodiments, additional rows 1304 a, 1304 b of modules 202 may bearranged on the roof, also aligned with the first axis 404 but facingthe opposite direction of the first row 1302. For example, the modules202 of the additional rows 1304 a, 1304 b may be oriented with theexhaust faces 206 facing and opposing the exhaust faces of modules ofthe first row 1302. Any number of rows may be arrayed in parallel withand in the same orientation as each other, similar to the additionalrows 1304 a, 1304 b, in a saw-tooth configuration (e.g., with multipleadjacent rows of modules in the same orientation). In some cases, thefirst row 1302 and the additional rows 1304 a, 1304 b may extend,arrayed along a second axis 408. The first axis 404 may be aligned inparallel with a direction of an exterior flow of wind, or in anotherdirection relative to the exterior flow of wind. In some embodiments,further additional rows of modules may be provided in any suitablenumber and arrayed in parallel, and in the same orientation as, eitherof the first row 1302 and the additional rows 1304 a, 1304 b. The rowsmay be aligned with respect to the environment such that the exhaustfaces 206 of modules 202 in the first row 1302 face toward a directionof the prevailing wind. In some cases, the additional rows 1304 a, 1304b may be aligned so that exhaust faces 206 of modules 202 in theadditional rows 1304 a, 1304 b face toward the prevailing wind.

FIG. 14 is a top view schematic illustrating an example of analternative embodiment of a passive exhaust system 1400 having a curvedarray 1402 of modules 202 arrayed on a roof 104 of a structure 102, inaccordance with embodiments. In the system 1400, a curved array 1402 maybe centered on a point 1406 on the roof 104. The curved array 1402 maybe arranged along a circular, or approximately circular, path 1408. Insome cases, the path 1408 can be arranged of multiple curved segments ofvarying arcs defining a closed path. In some cases, the path 1408 may bedefined by multiple straight or curved segments. In some cases, the path1408 may be open at one or more sides. In accordance with embodiments,modules 202 may be arranged along the path 1408 and connected with theroof 104 via voids in the roof (not shown). The modules 202 may beoriented such that exhaust faces 206 of each module 202 face toward aninterior of the path 1408, or toward a center point 1406 of the array1402. In some embodiments, panels 1404 may be connected with the modules202 of the array 1402 for directing airflow over the modules 202 thatmight otherwise between the modules. In some cases, additional paths maybe arranged outside the array 1402 for connecting additional modules ina secondary array of rings.

Other variations are within the spirit of the present disclosure. Thus,while the disclosed techniques are susceptible to various modificationsand alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereofare shown in the drawings and have been described above in detail. Itshould be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit thedisclosure to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary,the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions,and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure,as defined in the appended claims.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the disclosed embodiments (especially in thecontext of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both thesingular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearlycontradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,”and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning“including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term“connected” is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within,attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening.Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as ashorthand method of referring individually to each separate valuefalling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein and eachseparate value is incorporated into the specification as if it wereindividually recited herein. All methods described herein can beperformed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein orotherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and allexamples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, isintended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the disclosure anddoes not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unlessotherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construedas indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice ofthe disclosure.

Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, or Z,”unless specifically stated otherwise, is intended to be understoodwithin the context as used in general to present that an item, term,etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y,and/or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to,and should not, imply that certain embodiments require at least one ofX, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.

Various embodiments of this disclosure are described herein, includingthe best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the disclosure.Variations of those embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventorsexpect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate and theinventors intend for the disclosure to be practiced otherwise than asspecifically described herein. Accordingly, this disclosure includes allmodifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in theclaims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, anycombination of the above-described elements in all possible variationsthereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicatedherein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising: a structure; a roof on thestructure, the roof comprising a flat portion; a plurality of voidsthrough the flat portion, the voids being positioned such that warm airin the structure flows to the plurality of voids; first and secondmodules mounted on the flat portion and exposed to an outdoorenvironment outside of the structure, each of the first and secondmodules comprising: an exhaust face in a substantially verticalconfiguration on a side of the module, the exhaust face having anexhaust opening; an intake face in a substantially horizontalconfiguration at a bottom of the module, the intake face comprising anintake opening aligned with a respective void of the plurality of voidsand in fluid communication with the void; a conduit between the exhaustface and the intake face, the conduit comprising a sloped face oppositethe exhaust face and connected with the exhaust face and the intake faceand configured to direct air flowing from the intake face to the exhaustface; and wherein the exhaust face of the first module faces the exhaustface of the second module and is separated by a first separationdistance from the second module, the separation distance beingsufficient so that ambient air flowing across the first and secondmodules, from the first module to the second module, creates a Venturieffect between the two exhaust faces, enhancing a draw of the warm airfrom the structure, through the first and second voids, and out of thestructure through the first and second modules.
 2. The system of claim1, wherein the first and second modules are one module pair of multipleopposing module pairs mounted on the flat portion, the module pairsbeing arranged in parallel along an axis to form an array of modules,wherein each module is arranged in fluid communication with a differentvoid of the plurality of voids.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein: thestructure comprises a datacenter; and a size of each module in the arrayis based on a rate of air throughput required to exhaust a quantity ofheat generated in the datacenter.
 4. The system of claim 2, wherein: thestructure comprises a datacenter; and a number of modules in the arrayis based on a rate of air throughput required to exhaust a quantity ofheat generated in the datacenter.
 5. The system of claim 2, wherein theaxis is oriented perpendicular to a crossflow of air, such that thecrossflow of air generates a low pressure region in a space between eachpair of modules in the array, such that the low pressure regionaccelerates a rate of exhaust from the datacenter.
 6. The system ofclaim 5, wherein the structure further comprises a passive intake, thepassive intake including an intake vent on a side of the structurefacing a direction of the crossflow of air, such that the crossflow ofair generates a high pressure region at the passive intake.
 7. A system,comprising: a structure; a roof on top of the structure; a void throughthe roof; and a module comprising: an exhaust face in a substantiallyvertical configuration on a first side of the module, the exhaust facehaving an exhaust opening; an intake face in a substantially horizontalconfiguration at a bottom of the module, the intake face comprising anintake opening configured to align with the void in the roof of thestructure; and a conduit between the exhaust face and the intake face,the conduit comprising a sloped face opposite the exhaust face andconnected with the exhaust face and the intake face and configured todirect air flowing from the intake face to the exhaust face; wherein themodule is fluidly connected with the void of the roof, such that anexhaust flow of warm air flows passively out of the structure throughthe void and through the module.
 8. The system of claim 7, furthercomprising: a footing assembly connected with the bottom of the module,the footing assembly being configured to align the intake face of themodule with the void in the roof of the structure, to prevent water fromentering the structure, and to connect the intake opening with the void.9. The system of claim 7, wherein the conduit further comprisessidewalls, and further comprising: a catchment interior to the moduleand connected with the sloped wall and the sidewalls, the catchmentbeing configured to trap condensation flowing from an interior surfaceof the sloped wall or interior surfaces of the sidewalls.
 10. The systemof claim 7, further comprising: a hood projecting from the exhaust faceof the module, the hood having a sloped top surface that slopes downwardaway from the exhaust face, the hood being configured to direct a flowof air flowing toward the exhaust face upward over the module, and beingconfigured to direct rain or debris falling on the module away from theexhaust face.
 11. The system of claim 7, wherein the conduit furthercomprises sidewalls, and further comprising: an insulation layerconnected with the interior surface of the sloped wall or interiorsurfaces of the sidewalls, the insulation layer being configured toprevent condensation inside the module.
 12. The system of claim 7,further comprising: a plurality of hoods projecting from the exhaustface of the module, each hood of the plurality of hoods having a slopedtop surface that slopes downward away from the exhaust face and isconfigured to direct rain or debris falling on the module away from theexhaust face, and a top hood of the plurality of hoods being configuredto direct a flow of air flowing toward the exhaust face upward over themodule.
 13. The system of claim 7, further comprising: a plurality ofthe modules including the module; and a plurality of the voids includingthe void, wherein the voids are arranged in rows; and each of themodules is fluidly connected with a respective one of the voids, suchthat first and second ones of the modules, mounted on voids in adjacentones of the rows, have respective exhaust faces that face each other.14. The system of claim 13, wherein: the plurality of voids are arrangedin first, second, and third rows; and each module in the third row isoriented such that each respective exhaust face of the modules in thethird row faces the exhaust face of a respective module of the firstrow.
 15. The system of claim 7, further comprising: a plurality of themodules including the module; and a plurality of the voids including thevoid, wherein the voids are arranged in a curved configuration; each ofthe modules is fluidly connected with a respective one of the voids; andeach of the modules is oriented such that each respective exhaust faceof the modules faces toward an interior of the curved configuration. 16.A method comprising: coupling first and second modules with a roof of astructure, each of the first and second modules comprising: an exhaustface in a substantially vertical configuration on a side of the module,the exhaust face having an exhaust opening; an intake face in asubstantially horizontal configuration at a bottom of the module, theintake face comprising an intake opening configured to align with arespective void of a plurality of voids in the roof; and a conduitbetween the exhaust face and the intake face, the conduit comprising asloped face opposite the exhaust face and connected with the exhaustface and the intake face and configured to direct a flow of warm airfrom the intake face to the exhaust face; the first module being coupledto the roof such that the first module is aligned with a first void inthe roof; and the second module being coupled to the roof such that thesecond module is aligned with a second void in the roof; wherein theexhaust face of the first module faces the exhaust face of the secondmodule and is separated by a first separation distance from the secondmodule, the separation distance being sufficient so that ambient airflowing across the first and second modules, from the first module tothe second module, creates a Venturi effect between the two exhaustfaces, enhancing a draw of the warm air from the structure, through thefirst and second voids, and out of the structure through the first andsecond modules.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein: coupling the firstmodule with the roof further comprises orienting the first module suchthat a sloped surface of the first module opposite the exhaust face ofthe first module points toward an exterior flow of air; and coupling thesecond module with the roof further comprises orienting the secondmodule such that the exhaust face of the second module faces the exhaustface of the first module.
 18. The method of claim 17, furthercomprising: coupling a first plurality of modules with a first pluralityof voids in the roof, the first plurality of modules being orientedidentically to the first module and being arranged parallel to the firstmodule in a side-by-side manner; and coupling a second plurality ofmodules with a second plurality of voids in the roof, the secondplurality of modules being oriented identically to the second module andbeing arranged parallel to the second module in a side-by-side manner.19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: coupling a firstplurality of panels between adjacent modules of the first plurality ofmodules; and coupling a second plurality of panels between adjacentmodules of the second plurality of modules, the first and secondpluralities of panels being arranged to direct a flow of air from anenvironmental flow of air up along and over the first plurality ofmodules, and down along the second plurality of modules, such that theflow of air from the environmental flow of air entrains a portion of theflow of warm air from the first plurality of modules and the secondplurality of modules.
 20. The method of claim 16, further comprising:constructing a first curb and a second curb, the first curb being araised feature of the roof around the first void and the second curbbeing a raised feature of the roof around the second void; and wherein:coupling the first module with the roof further comprises coupling afirst footing of the first module with the first curb; and coupling thesecond module with the roof further comprises coupling a second footingof the second module with the second curb.